When you’re ready to buy, you’ll need to determine if you prefer the charm of an existing home or the look and feel of a newer build. With limited existing home inventory available today, especially in the starter and middle-level markets, many buyer...

A considerable number of potential buyers shy away from the real estate market because they’re uncertain about the buying process – particularly when it comes to qualifying for a mortgage.

The gap between the increase in personal income and residential real estate prices has been used to defend the concept that we are experiencing an affordability crisis in housing today.

Here are four great reasons to consider buying a home today, instead of waiting.

Some Highlights

Many potential homebuyers believe they need a 20% down payment and a 780 FICO® score to qualify to buy a home. This stops many people from even trying to jump into homeownership! Here are some facts to help take the fear out of the process:

• 71% of buyers who purchased homes have put down less than 20%.
• 78.1% of loan applications were approved last month.
• In September, the average credit score for approved loans was 737.

Did you know that 1 in 6 Americans currently live in a multigenerational household?

To understand today’s complex real estate market, it is critical to have a local, trusted advisor on your side – for more reasons than you may think.

In today’s market, low inventory dominates the conversation in many areas of the country. It can often be frustrating to be a first-time homebuyer if you aren’t prepared. Here are five tips from realtor.com’s article, “How to Find Your Dream Home—Without Losing Your Mind."

Today’s real estate market is nothing like the 2008 market. When an economic slowdown happens, it won’t resemble the last one.

If you’re searching for a home online, you’re not alone; lots of people are doing it. The question is, are you using all of your available resources, and are you using them wisely? Here’s why the Internet is a great place to start the home-buying process, and the truth on why it should never be your only go-to resource when it comes to making such an important decision.

Gen Zers are the next generation of homeowners, and they’re eager to jump in and buy their first homes. Whether you are part of this generation or any other, it’s never too early to start saving, so you can reach your homeownership goal sooner rather than later.

Some Highlights

• Many buyers are purchasing homes with down payments as little as 3%.
• You may already qualify for a loan, even if you don’t have perfect credit.
• Your local professionals are here to help you determine how much you can afford, so take advantage of the opportunity to learn more.

In today’s world, hiring an agent who has a finger on the pulse of the market will make your buying or selling experience an educated one.

Recently two U.S. Census Bureau researchers released their findings on the biggest determinants of household wealth. What they found may help shape your view on building your family’s net worth.

It’s common knowledge that your FICO® score plays an important role in the homebuying process. However, many buyers have misconceptions regarding what exactly is required to get the loans they need.

Contrary to common misconception, a down payment is often much less than many believe.

Some Highlights

• Learning the lingo of homebuying is an important part of feeling successful when buying a home.
• From APR to P&I, you need to know the acronyms that will come up along the way, and what they mean when you hear them.
• Your local professionals are here to help you feel confident and informed from start to finish…and this infographic will help you as you go.

You made an offer and it was accepted. Your next task is to have the home inspected prior to closing. Agents often recommend you make your offer contingent upon a clean home inspection.

The latest edition of the Realtors Confidence Index from NAR sheds some light on the relationship between seller traffic (supply) and buyer traffic (demand). Until the supply of homes for sale starts to meet buyer demand, prices will continue to rise.

Some Highlights

• The “cost of waiting to buy” is defined as the additional funds necessary to buy a home if prices and interest rates were to increase over a period of time.
• Freddie Mac forecasts interest rates will rise to 3.8% by Q4 2020.
• CoreLogic predicts home prices will appreciate by 5.4% over the next 12 months.
• If you’re ready and willing to buy your dream home, now is a great time to buy.

 

When people talk about homeownership and the American Dream, much of the conversation revolves around the financial benefits of owning a home. However, two recent studies show that the non-financial benefits might be even more valuable.

According to a new study from realtor.com, the week of September 22 is the best time of year to buy a home, making it ‘Black Friday’ for homebuyers.

One of the benefits of homeownership is that it is a “forced savings plan.” Here’s how it works: You make a mortgage payment each month. Part of that payment is applied to the principal balance of your mortgage. Each month you owe less on the home. The difference between the value of the home and what you owe is called equity.

When searching for a home, you may end up selecting a property in a community with a Homeowners Association (HOA). Before you buy, it’s important to know how an HOA works and what they mean for you.

Congratulations! You’ve found a home to buy and have applied for a mortgage! You're undoubtedly excited about the opportunity to decorate your new home, but before you make any large purchases, move your money around, or make any big-time life changes, consult your loan officer – someone who will be able to tell you how your decisions will impact your home loan.